NTech Greenseeker 505 User manual

Model 505
GreenSeeker Hand Held™Optical Sensor Unit
Operating Manual
740 South State Street Ukiah, CA 95482
tel [phone] fax [phone]
toll-free 888-728-2436
www.ntechindustries.com
®

500-1-030 2Rev I: 2006.05.04

500-1-030 3Rev I: 2006.05.04
Table of Contents
The GreenSeeker Hand Held™ Optical Sensor Unit......................................................................... 4
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................4
Mechanical Specifications................................................................................................................................................4
Accessories........................................................................................................................................................................4
GreenSeeker Hand Held -Quick Start.............................................................................................. 5
Primary Components.......................................................................................................................... 6
Battery Charger ................................................................................................................................................................6
Control Box......................................................................................................................................................................6
Power Connector .............................................................................................................................................................6
Power Switch/Indicator ...................................................................................................................................................6
External Data Port............................................................................................................................................................6
Personal Digital Assistant ................................................................................................................................................6
Powered PDA Cradle .......................................................................................................................................................6
Trigger Switch...................................................................................................................................................................6
Sensor................................................................................................................................................................................7
Sensor Mount...................................................................................................................................................................7
Telescoping Tube .............................................................................................................................................................7
Connections......................................................................................................................................... 8
Sensor Connection...........................................................................................................................................................8
Control Box to iPAQ Connections .................................................................................................................................8
Wearing the GreenSeeker Hand Held™ Unit..................................................................................... 8
Software Information.......................................................................................................................... 9
Log Strips Mode...............................................................................................................................................................9
Log Plots Mode...............................................................................................................................................................11
Log Plots Mode Data Management...............................................................................................................................12
Helpful Hints ......................................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX A: Data Output Options..................................................................................................15
APPENDIX B: How To Re-install NTech Capture©.........................................................................17
For Pocket PC 2002:.......................................................................................................................................................17
For Pocket PC 2003:.......................................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX C: Vegetation Indices Available in the GreenSeeker®Sensor..................................18
Index Equations..............................................................................................................................................................18
References.......................................................................................................................................................................18

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The GreenSeeker Hand Held™ Optical Sensor Unit
Congratulations on your purchase of a GreenSeeker Hand Held™ Optical Sensor Unit. This
manual provides the description and operation of both the Sensor Unit and the data capture
program.
Introduction
The GreenSeeker Hand Held Optical Sensor Unit is a tool for crop research and consulting that
provides precision measurement and data logging of the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index
(NDVI) and Red to Near Infrared Ratios of plant material. These data points can be used in
conjunction with other agronomic references to index basic nutrient response, crop condition,
yield potential, stress, pest and disease impact in a quantitative manner. The unit can be used to
monitor changing field (plant/crop) conditions during the growing season and the effects of
different levels of an input compared to a local standard.
The GreenSeeker Hand Held Optical Sensor Unit utilizes NTech’s second-generation optical
sensor technology. The Unit generates light at two specific wavelengths and measures the light
reflected off the target (typically plants in soil). The microprocessor within the Sensor analyzes
the reflected light and calculates the results. The data from the Sensor is transmitted serially to an
HP iPAQ Personal Digital Assistant, and can later be exported to a desktop computer for analysis.
Mechanical Specifications
•Weight of Unit: approximately 13 pounds (6 kg)
•Weight of Unit, plus case and accessories: approx. 38 lbs (17 kg)
•Case dimensions: 14 x 14 x 51 inches (35.5 x 35.5 x 129.5 cm)
Accessories
•NTech Capture©program for Pocket PC™ 2002/2003
•100-240VAC battery charger
•Polyethylene padded case
(Airline Transportation Association rated)
with wheels and carrying handles

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GreenSeeker Hand Held -Quick Start
•Insert your iPAQ into the Powered Cradle.
•Place the shoulder strap around body as desired.
•Extend the telescoping tube to desired length, and adjust
Sensor angle so that it is parallel to the sensing area.
•Connect serial cable to the connector on the bottom of the
Powered Cradle and the Control Box.
•Turn on the power to the Sensor (switch is located on the
Control Box).
•Turn on your iPAQ and go to the Start menu. Click on
Programs then the NTech Capture icon to open the
program.
•Select FP_NDVI (Farmer Practice) or RS_NDVI (Nitrogen
Rich Strip) by clicking on Activate. Button will change and
display Monitoring..
•Select Sensor and Start GreenSeeker.
•Position the Sensor at the beginning of the target region.
The Sensor should be roughly parallel to, and 32 to 48
inches above the canopy. Press the trigger switch and
traverse the region. At the region boundary, release the
trigger.
•When the trigger is released the number displayed in the
white box is the average of all readings to that point. Each
press of the trigger logs a new value.
•When you have completed the data collection, go to File
and select Save.

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Primary Components
Battery Charger
The internal battery, located in the control box, can be recharged using the
battery charger. Simply plug it into the wall, and insert the DC adapter in to the
power supply socket on the control box. The charger’s amber LED will change
to green when the battery is fully charged (100-240VAC in, 12VDC, 800mA
out). The charger will not overcharge the battery.
CAUTION: It is not recommended to connect a vehicle 12V to the power
connector, as there is a risk of over-charging which will damage the internal
battery.
Control Box
The control box contains a battery and a circuit board to interface
the power and switches to the Sensor and external connectors.
Power Connector
This connector goes directly to the battery for charging (12V in).
Power Switch/Indicator
The switch supplies power to the Sensor and Powered Cradle. The
indicator will illuminate when power is on.
External Data Port
The serial port allows the collection of data through an RS232 connection using the serial cable
provided (Com Port: 38,400 Baud, 8, 1, N: Flow: None).
Personal Digital Assistant
The Sensor Unit requires an iPAQ PDA to display and store the
data from the Sensor. Refer to the iPAQ manual for operating
instructions. The NTech Capture©program is pre-loaded on the
iPAQ.
Powered PDA Cradle
This rugged mount securely fastens the PDA to the extension
pole of the Sensor Unit. The Powered Cradle gets its power from
the battery inside the Control Box. It will charge or extend the
battery life of the iPAQ if the Power Switch is turned on.
Trigger Switch
This allows the user to control the data flow and the count of the data
collected. Grip the PDA mount and use index finger to press the
switch. A small buzzer located in the control box will sound while the
trigger switch is pressed. Position the Sensor over the target before
pushing the trigger to avoid erroneous data. (The buzzer can be
disabled. See the “Helpful Hints” section for details.)

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Sensor
The reflectance readings are taken in this unit. This unit uses
internal illumination for use in any lighting condition, day or
night. When the unit is on, a red band of light will be
observed immediately below the rectangular Sensor window.
The Sensor is designed to be 32 to 48 inches over the desired
plant/crop canopy to be sensed. The width of the Sensor
measurement is a constant 24 inches. This width does not
change with height.
Sensor Mount
The Sensor is adjustable in 15 degree increments. Adjust the angle and the pole length to set the
Sensor parallel to the target. The Sensor must be angled to fit in the storage case.
Telescoping Tube
The telescoping tube is used to position the Sensor for different types of vegetation. It can be held
at higher angles for tall crops, or lower angles for short vegetation, such as newly emerging wheat
or turf grasses. The button located near the Sensor mount swivel is used to extend or retract the
tube.

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Connections
Verify the connections between the Sensor, the battery pack and the PDA per the figures below.
Sensor Connection
A 12-pin connector mates to the Sensor with two captive screws. Be sure it is mounted in the
lower port shown below. Do not connect to the adjacent connector port.
Control Box to iPAQ Connections
The Control Box is connected to the Powered Cradle/iPAQ with a DB9 (RS232) serial cable. The
small black power cable must be plugged in for the Powered Cradle to get its power from the
battery inside the Control Box.
Wearing the GreenSeeker Hand Held™ Unit
There are three main pieces that may be adjusted for a comfortable fit. The shoulder strap adjusts
in length. Use this strap to distribute the weight of the Sensor to the body. The strap works best
when it is placed diagonally across the body.
The shoulder strap mount is also adjustable. Move the connection back and forth on the
telescoping tube to balance it.
The PDA mount and mount handle may also be changed. The handle may be removed and
turned around so the knob is suitably oriented for left-handed operation. The PDA mount may
also be loosened to change its position along the telescoping tube. By optimizing the position of
these items for comfort, data collection in the field becomes easier.

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Software Information
NTech Capture©is a software program developed to capture the
readings from the GreenSeeker Hand Held Sensor, display the current
reading, and store them for later data analysis or to make fertilizer
recommendations. Prior to shipment, the software was loaded onto
your iPAQ.
NOTE: If the battery of the iPAQ discharges completely, you will have
to reload the software.
The software is designed to operate like most Windows programs.
Saving and opening a new file are similar to the operation of a word
processing program. Make certain you note where you save the files
on the iPAQ.
There are two modes available for logging data:
Log Strips or Log Plots
The strip logging mode is for collecting sensor readings from large strips with different fertilizer
levels. More specifically, it is for comparing nitrogen rich strips (NRS_NDVI) with lower rate,
farmer practice strips (FP_NDVI) to determine recommendations.
The plot logging mode is for collecting readings from multiple “plots” and is better suited to data
analysis.
Log Strips Mode
To Log Strips:
•Turn on the power switch located on the Control Box.
•Turn on your iPAQ and go to the Start menu. Click on
Programs then the NTech Capture icon to open the
program.
•Select FP_NDVI (Farmer Practice) or RS_NDVI
(Nitrogen Rich Strip) by clicking on Activate. Button will
change and display Monitoring..
•Select Sensor and Start GreenSeeker.
•Position the Sensor at the beginning of the target region.
Press the trigger and traverse the region. At the end,
release the trigger. Data will be recorded to the file when
the trigger is pressed.
•When the trigger is released the number displayed in the
white box is the average of all readings to that point.
•When you have completed the data collection, go to File and select Save.

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Data: Log Strips Mode
Once saved, you can view the data collected by simply selecting the name of the file in the
“Field/File Name:” box.
The filename.txt file contains three pieces of information:
Average FP_NDVI value
Average RS_NDVI value
Maximum NDVI from the rich strip (RS).
The data displayed can be used to generate a nitrogen recommendation when used in
conjunction with the Oklahoma State University webpage:
http://www.soiltesting.okstate.edu/SBNRC/SBNRC.php
If you switch between modes and you have not saved the data file, you will be prompted to save
the file.
NOTE: Once you switch modes or close the program you cannot open an existing file and save
more measurements to it. After saving a data file, you can create a new file by selecting File and
New. This will clear the data cells and allow you to collect readings for a new field.
The following is a sample of the text file for reference:
filename.txt
FP_NDVI:
---------------------
AVG = 0.67112, STDEV = 0.11562
RS_NDVI:
---------------------
AVG = 0.77964, STDEV = 0.01023
MAX_NDVI:
---------------------
Max_NDVI = 0.77740